Bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west and Caribbean Sea to the east, Costa Rica (translated it means, "rich coast") is indeed a rich land of amazing diversity. With its lush tropical rainforests, quiet beaches, vast coastal wetlands and volcanic cloud forests, it is easy to see why Costa Rica is a top travel destination. It is definitely a birder's paradise, a botanist's dream, a herpetologist's jackpot and for Aperture Academy, a photographer's ultimate playground. Join us at Aperture Academy for a week of photography as diverse as the country.

A person could spend months, even years in Costa Rica and still not see the completeness of its biodiversity, so to get the most out of our time there, we have decided to concentrate on three distinctly different, but incredibly productive, regions ranging from Mountain Cloud Forest all the way to the lush jungles along the Atlantic Coast.

The sky's the limit on photographic subject matter, but particular emphasis and time will be directed towards gathering professional quality images of various species of birds, especially hummingbirds, as well as other opportunistic wildlife offerings. We'll be working with highly experienced local naturalists, and their amazing skills at locating the hidden wildlife all around is truly astounding. With over 700 species of birds listed for Costa Rica, there certainly won't be a dearth of bird subjects to photograph. After the birds bed down at the end of the day, night flash photography skills will be introduced as we trek into the night forest and seek out the colorful frogs and insects the region is famous for. You'll experience how the jungle forest comes alive at night with a cacophony of sights and sounds, and we will be there with our cameras to capture the moments. A walk through a rainforest at night is truly an unforgettable experience.

Even more diverse than the wildlife is the plant life of Costa Rica, as it is home to over 9,000 identified species of plants (with more described each year). At each of our carefully chosen locations, in addition to the natural flora of the area, extensive gardens will provide a wealth of incredible subject matter. For the plant life of Costa Rica, we will definitely be pulling out our macro lenses and working on the delicate abstracts and subtle techniques indicative of this style of photography.

Costa Rica is also known for its abundance of water, specifically its myriad of mountain streams and waterfalls and time, techniques and instruction will certainly be devoted towards capturing the grace of moving water.

In addition, to help get the most "pop" out of our images, there will be casual sit down sessions to highlight various Photoshop and post-processing techniques. So bring a laptop, a glass of wine, and your images from the day as we work to get the most out of your images!

What to Expect

This workshop was designed by photographers, for photographers. With that in mind, we've painstakingly designed an itinerary that maximizes your opportunity to capture professional quality images.

We are going to be photographing many species of birds, amphibians and other types of wild life, along with the abundant and colorful flora. Also, don't forget about the lush jungle, cascades of elegant streams and powerful waterfalls!

Along with pro photography instructors Scott and Ellie, you'll be led by expert local guides. Not only will our guides be putting us in the best possible locations to capture award-winning images, they'll be bringing the birds to us. Yes, you read that correctly, they bring the birds closer to us. Each expert guide is equipped with an iPod, and rather than the latest Justin Bieber song, it's loaded with thousands of bird calls. Once they quickly identify which birds are in the area, that bird's specific call is played on a small but powerful speaker. Scott and Ellie can personally attest to how well the birds respond, and come into prime photographic distance!

Due to its proximity to the equator, the sun and the animals rise early in Costa Rica (approx. 5:15-5:30 am). Therefore, we'll be getting an early start every day, in order to maximize our photographic opportunities at capturing these beautiful creatures. The mid-day can be spent as you like. Either take this time for a quick siesta, a dip in the pool, or even image review and critique with Ellie and Scott.

In the afternoon, we'll head back out for more excellent photography, of both wildlife and copious amounts of exquisite flora. We'll even be doing a little night time photography, utilizing our flashes to capture the remarkable and colorful frogs of Costa Rica.

Group Size

We designed this trip with these three things in mind: photography, comfort, and learning... oh, and fun! Guess that makes it four things. While thinking of these things, we decided to limit the group size to 10. We will oftentimes split up into two groups, to offer the ease of image capturing, without competing, or jockeying for position.

With 2 instructors, 2 expert guides (and in one location an additional 2 naturalist guides), we'll keep the ratio low, the comfort high, and most of all the learning experience maximized.

During our boat excursions, we've added additional vessels to ensure that everyone has ample room to move around and seize every opportunity to fill up their memory cards. The same comfort detail was taken into consideration for our travel vans. There will be additional empty seats, allowing everyone the ability to spread out and relax during transportation.

Day 1 - Arrive in San José, at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (also known as San José International Airport). After passing through immigration, there will be a Costa Rica Expeditions representative to greet you and give you a sticker to facilitate clearing customs. When you exit the building, you'll see a Costa Rica Expeditions guide, who will take you to your hotel. NOTE: you'll recognize your guide by his bright orange or yellow shirt, and the sign he'll be holding with your name on it. You can count on your guide being there -- even if your flight arrives early, or quite late -- no matter how late. After all, it's our first chance to show you that your experience, and every part of your itinerary, will go smoothly. Your guide will take you to your hotel, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner, and orientation with Scott, Ellie, and your expert guides.

Day 2 - San Jose to Bosque de Paz. Spend the morning in the lush and always blooming gardens at the hotel Bougainvillea. After your macro lenses and creative juices have sufficiently warmed up, we'll depart on a 2-1/2 hour drive to Bosque de Paz (translates to "Forest of Peace"). After lunch, we'll photograph in the nearby Catarata del Toro. On site is an impressive 300 ft. waterfall that plunges into the crater of an extinct volcano. Also as impressive are the gardens and many species of hummingbirds that call Catarata del Toro their home.

Day 3 - Bosque de Paz. We'll spend the morning in this privately owned 1,800 acre biological preserve, that shares over 300 species of birds, beautiful cascading creeks, and exquisite orchid gardens. During the afternoon, we'll visit the adjacent El Silencio preserve and hike the waterfall trails, through the cloud forest mist, in search of hidden waterfalls. They say every waterfall has a signature melody, and the tour follows the Saca Trail, which touches upon La Melodia, El Silencio, and La Promesa waterfalls, where we'll enjoy their distinct beauty and unique serenades.

Day 4 - Bosque de Paz to Arenal. You'll be amazed at the perfect cone-shaped volcano, known as Arenal. Depending on weather, you may see the top of this 1,633 meter beauty, with smoke billowing out. The activity ranges from day to day, week to week, and even month to month. We may even get lucky and enjoy a nighttime display of lava. We'll take some time for volcanic landscapes, including the surrounding flora and fauna.

Day 5 - Arenal. The day will be spent in and around Arenal. Many visitors come to explore the very grounds in which we'll be staying. Flora and birds are around every corner. All the lenses in your bag will get a workout this day: macro floral shots, birds with your longer lens, and wide angle for the adjacent waterfall. We'll be visiting an expansive and stunning Butterfly Conservatory. The Conservatory is a Nature Regeneration Project dedicated to the preservation, growth and study of the rainforest, with focus on butterflies and other tropical rainforest species. There are fantastic opportunities to capture different species of butterflies, including the rare and beautiful glass winged butterfly.

Day 6 - Arenal to Tortuguero National Park. A short drive to the airstrip in La Fortuna, and we'll board a light charter flight to Tortuguero National Park. We'll be quickly shuttled across the Tortuguero river, to the Tortuga lodge. Smiling faces and a welcome drink will be waiting for us on the dock. After settling in, our naturalist guides will escort us around the grounds, in search of tropical flowers and wildlife. After lunch and a siesta, you'll leave the dock by boat with your naturalist guide for your afternoon expedition into the creeks of Tortuguero National Park. The winding canals are a playground for all types of jungle creatures. You'll feel as though you've embarked on a journey into the Amazon. Be prepared to see all sorts of wetland creatures, from Caiman, Kingfishers, Tiger Herons, Boat-billed Heron, Egrets, Capuchin and Howler monkeys, plus many other species of wildlife. After dinner, we'll head out for a night walk (rubber boots provided), in search of nature's nocturnal natives. Get your flashes ready, because we'll surely see many colorful frogs, and maybe even an eyelash viper.

Day 7 - Tortuguero. After breakfast, you'll leave the lodge by boat with your naturalist guide and explore a different canal of Tortuguero National Park. The morning hours are especially active in the rain forest, when the wildlife is hungry and in search of their energy source to start the day. It's not uncommon to find troops of Howler monkeys in search of tender young figs or the leaves of the Monkey Plum tree. You might even encounter a river otter hunting for breakfast. The Northern Jacana is often perched on an island of water Hyacinth looking for insects and miniature shrimp, while the caiman quietly waits for its next meal to swim by.
Then, you'll return to the lodge in time for lunch. During the afternoon, your naturalist guide will be available to walk the garden and give more natural history interpretation; also you have time to go back to Tortuga Lodge trails at twilight.

Day 8 - Tortuguero/San José/Cerro de la Muerte.
After another amazing breakfast we'll leave the lodge by boat and revisit those most active wildlife river locations. Giving you another shot at capturing Costa Rica's beautiful coastal wildlife. You never know when that award wining National Geographic moment is going to happen.We want to give you every opportunity at capturing amazing images. After our morning river excursion we'll start packing for our departure back to San Jose, CR. We'll once again be shuttled across the river to the landing strip, where we'll board our light charter flight,bound for San Jose. Arriving once again at the beautiful hotel Bougainvillea, for our final evening and farewell group dinner with our guides.

Day 9 - Departure. After breakfast, you'll be provided with your transfer to the international airport at least three hours prior to the departure time for your flight out of the country. With memory cards full and your mind and heart full of fantastic memories, you'll be headed back home with some great stories and images to share of a truly unforgettable experience.

We've chosen the hotels, not only for proximity to nature and the best photography, but also for comfort and cleanliness. When we are staying in the San José area, the hotel Bougainvillea offers luxurious rooms with all the amenities. You'll have a television, phone, and wi-fi, along with some outstanding garden areas to meander through, or even sit and read a book.

Once we head into more remote areas, the rooms are just as clean and inviting, but you may not have wi-fi, or even a television. Taking in the sounds and reconnecting with nature, will be soul soothing.

At all locations, one can't help but feel a warm Costa Rican spirit. It's as if a close friend has welcomed you into their home where the scent of home cooked meals and friendly table chatter permeate the room.

Travel

The vans you'll be riding in are meant to seat many more than 10. We've planned so that you'll have ample room to spread out and relax.

During our boat excursions, we've added an additional vessel, just to ensure than every photographer has an entire row of seats. There will be tons of room to move around and capture as many images as you like, with no one in your way.

Meet Our Workshop Pro Instructors...

Meet our master instructors and learn what qualifies them to give you a great experience during your workshops! While you're joining us, you will receive comprehensive digital photography instruction and tutoring by our team of award-winning photographers.

→ Carlos "Charlie" Gomez

Carlos Gomez, Master Naturalist Guide & Director of Guiding Department, started his birding career working with Gary Stiles, the author of Birds of Costa Rica. He has guided birding and other natural history groups for Costa Rica Expeditions for two decades. Before that, he was Station Manager at the Organization for Tropical Studies' La Selva Biological Station. Called "legendary" in the Washington Post, groups he has led include Henderson Birding, Audubon Naturalist Society and Noble Proctor.

"Birding is my number one love – after my family of course. Guiding lets me share my ideas about conservation with other people. Sometimes I think I am a frustrated professor, but my job as a guide is much better than sitting behind a desk, and it’s a great way to meet people and share my knowledge with them."

An excellent naturalist and avid birder with a B.S. in biology from the University of Costa Rica, Charlie's tireless enthusiasm on the job has made him our most requested naturalist guide. He is often asked by our clients to guide their trips in other countries. Charlie was born on Dec. 29, 1955. When he's not guiding, Charlie works in his garden, making it a haven for birds, and relaxes with his family. He and his wife, Vicky, have three adult children: Laura, Sergio, and Silvia.

→ Ellie Stone

Ellie Stone's experience with photography goes back 30 years. Her photographic interests are quite broad; from landscape to wildlife, weddings to photojournalism, portraits to night photography, and even the fast action trickery of sporting events. Years ago, Ellie combined one of her passions with another and plunged head first into volunteering for animal welfare. Ellie has spent time in Africa, volunteering for Elephant Voices Conservation and Research Project, and the Mara-Noboisho Lion Project. She provides valuable information, along with wildlife photos, which aids in the ongoing research of these projects. Ellie also volunteers her photographic talent on a weekly basis for the Humane society, where her high quality images help homeless pets find their new forever homes. Her work proved remarkable, and she quickly received notoriety by being published in magazines and newspapers.

As a teacher, Ellie's passion, enthusiasm, and affection for capturing the beauty of the world through photography is infectious. Teaching is one of her tremendous strengths as she has an uncanny skill of listening and understanding her student's unique ways of learning. By doing so, she caters to each student's learning style so her students maximize their photographic learning potential.
Besides Ms. Stone's obvious passion for photography, her diversity and interests are infinite! She is a triathlete, accomplished equestrian, chef, business woman and gifted runner. Ellie qualified for and competed in the Boston Marathon in 2011, the most competitive marathon in the world, and re-qualified for 2012. She resides in the "frog-jumping" capital of the world, Calaveras County.

→ Scott Donschikowski

Scott Donschikowski is a professional photographer, speaker and instructor of photographic arts and digital darkroom techniques. He is a master of the digital workflow, is an Adobe Certified Expert and has taught and lectured all over California about the benefits of becoming proficient in the digital darkroom.

Scott is a versatile photographer, specializing in architecture, lifestyle and landscapes but also having completed work in weddings, editorials, events and product photography. He has worked extensively covering events for the City of San Jose and has contracted his work out to a number of local businesses providing them with his own unique style of photographic imagery.

A tech geek at heart, when Scott is not out taking pictures in his native California, he spends his time writing for numerous blogs, maintaining several websites, reviewing photography gear, and refining his digital darkroom craft. He is also an avid astrophotographer and when the available light runs out, he brings out his telescope and captures images of the heavens above.

Note: In the event a scheduled instructor for a particular workshop is unavailable, a replacement instructor will be scheduled.
While we make every effort, there is no guarantee that the assigned instructors for a scheduled workshop will be present.

→ The cost includes: all accommodations (based on double occupancy), during trip dates, upon your arrival to Costa Rica (single room supplement is available, see pricing tab for more information); all transportation during your workshop dates, including airport transfers and charter flights during the workshop; all meals, including a welcome dinner your first night and breakfast on your final morning; local naturalist guides; all park entrance fees; and water and soda during van transportation. Of course, all your photography instruction and photo editing instruction is included as well.

What's not included in the price?

→ What is not included in the cost: international arrival and departure flights to Costa Rica; fees to obtain a passport; excess baggage fees; personal expenses such as room service, alcohol, or additional beverages, laundry, phone service, activities or meals not listed on the itinerary; travel insurance (strongly recommend); gratuities; and Costa Rica departure tax (currently $28).

What type of camera equipment do I need?

→ To get the most of your images, a good quality DSLR is strongly suggested. Single point-and-shoot cameras often result in disappointment and frustration.
Due to the high amounts of birds and wildlife we'll be photographing, we recommend a lens with a focal range of approximately 100-400mm. Upwards of 600mm will also work very well, although a 100-400 will be completely sufficient. If you don't have any lenses in this focal range, we recommend companies such as www.borrowlenses.com, who offer outstanding products and reasonable prices.

Since we'll also be photographing a lot of the tropical flora, a macro lens is a must. Most camera manufacturers offer some type of macro lens. These lenses enable you to get up close to flowers, bugs, frogs, and even moss, to capture the beautiful details at an ideal focal distance. Again, if you don't have a macro lens, you can rent one from www.borrowlenses.com for just the length of your trip.

Lastly, a wide angle lens of approximately 17-40, or 24-105, will come in handy for our waterfall and cascade photography. Oftentimes, the best images of water are when you're standing right in it (with a very gentle current only).

You'll also need a camera rain jacket or cover, in case we encounter some light sprinkles. Don't forget, we will be in the rain forest, so an occasional sprinkle is quite common, and it's what keeps things so beautiful. You can find these camera and lens rain covers at all sorts of retailers, such as www.bhphoto.com, www.adorama.com, or www.amazon.com.

A sturdy, lighter weight tripod is a necessity, especially if you have a large lens. At times we may be photographing birds in one location for more than an hour, so holding a big heavy lens can make you tired. Also, a tripod is essential for our longer exposures of waterfalls and cascades.

Make sure you bring sufficient memory cards, especially if you tend to be heavy on the trigger finger. Multiple 16gb and 8gb cards are a good idea, as is an external hard drive to back up your images (500gb minimum) with your laptop. If you want to view your images, get feedback and photo editing skills, your laptop is a must have.

An external flash or strobe will be needed if you would like to do the night time shooting of frogs and another nocturnal creatures, during our night walks at the Tortuga Lodge. These can also be rented, if you don't have your own.

Is this a tour or workshop?

→ It's kind of a mix of both. We do expect you to be familiar with the basic settings of your camera, because you don't want to be fiddling around with how to set the exposure when the elusive Resplendent Quetzal lands right in front of you - that would probably not be the best situation for getting the "shot," nor for learning. However, our instructors will be available in the field with suggestions about exposure, composition and technique; but in general, it's best to come with a working knowledge of your camera gear. If you're unsure, we highly recommend you sign up for one of our intro zoo wildlife workshops prior to taking this trip. Once back at the hotel though, we have options that are more of a workshop format, and we can offer you image critique and instruction or guidance of post processing skills.

What language do they speak in Costa Rica?

→ Spanish is the primary language spoken. Not to worry if you don't speak Spanish, because all of our guides speak perfect English. Most people you will encounter know some English, but you'll always have someone with you who can translate if the need ever arises.

→ The colon (plural is colones). As of this writing, the exchange is 500 colones to 1 US dollar.

What type of food will we be eating?

→ The staple food in Costa Rica is rice and beans, otherwise known as gallo pinto. Although you will be eating some gallo pinto, there are a lot of other freshly prepared items you'll enjoy. There is always an option of some type of fish or seafood, chicken, beef or pork. The food is traditionally not too spicy. There will always be some sort of hot sauce available if spice is your thing. If you have special dietary needs, just let us know, so we can be sure to accommodate you.

Are there any baggage limitations during the trip?

→ Yes, WHEN FLYING OR TRAVELING BY BOAT WITHIN COSTA RICA: A MAXIMUM OF 55 POUNDS OF LUGGAGE IS ALLOWED PER PERSON. The 55 lb. weight limit for flights or boat trips within Costa Rica does not mean that you need to limit yourself to 55 lbs. of baggage for your entire trip to Costa Rica. While it always makes sense to travel light, you can bring more than 55 lbs. of luggage. We will store your excess luggage while you are on portions of the trip that involve charter flights or boat trips, and catch it up to you as soon as feasible after you have finished those sections. Also, arrangements can be made to permit more luggage per person, at considerable extra cost, if you need that option.

What will the weather be like?

→ Most of the regions we'll be visiting are considered tropical rain or cloud forests. Our trip is planned before the "rainy season" starts, but that does not mean that we won't encounter an occasional sprinkle or shower. Usually they pass quickly, but just in case we are out shooting during a passing shower, you'll need to have a light rain jacket for yourself, and some protection for your camera.

The overall temperatures are fairly moderate. Morning lows may be in the low 60s, with afternoons in the low 80s. Dressing in layers is always recommended for optimal comfort. When the afternoon sun shines on you, your core temp can heat up relatively quickly.

A wide brim hat and sunscreen are going to be your best friend. Another BFF on this trip is going to be bug spray! Especially if you know you're the kind of person that mosquitoes seem to adore. They will find you in Costa Rica, so don't forget the bug repellent. Dressing in light clothes that cover you up can also be effective in eliminating bug bites.

I plan on traveling alone. Do I need to bring someone?

→ No, you don't a companion. However, tour price is based on double occupancy, so we will place you with other solo travelers of the same sex. However, if you prefer your own room, we can make arrangements for single accommodations for a supplemental charge.

→ Yes, you're traveling to Central America, so a passport is required. They are easy to get if you don't currently have one. Just allow 3 months for processing time, just to be on the safe side. Generally it takes about 4-12 weeks to receive a passport after mailing in the appropriate paperwork.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Costa Rica?

→ If you're worried about it, then the answer is yes. You can find the most current information at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/costa-rica.htm, or simply contact your physician or primary health care provider.
It's not required and most don't get any types of shots or vaccinations, and are perfectly fine. It all depends on you and your own health and level of concern.

The workshop fee is $4,395. A $1500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your space. Balance is due by January 15th, 2015. Due to the exclusivity of this trip, and the limited number of seats available, refunds are as follows: